In pictures: After Dark featuring AKING and Bam Bam Brown

It was hard to imagine that we could ever top the vibe of the first Two Oceans Aquarium/Texx and the City After Dark live music concert (featuring local bands Southern Wild and Grassy Spark), and yet … Here we are. The outstanding talent of Bam Bam Brown and his Wild Professors opened up for beloved South African band AKING in front of a sold-out crowd on 25 July 2018, and the night ended in a standing ovation. Goosebumps, euphoria, awe … Just three words to describe an experience that defies definition.

Founder/editor of music website Texx and the City and After Dark’s musical curator Tecla Ciolfi has been a driving force of the local music scene for more than a decade, paying her dues and earning her kudos as one of the key connectors of musicians and audiences in South Africa. It’s Tecla’s golden touch that has turned the Aquarium from that place you remember from your childhood, into this new, unique, premier destination for music appreciation. She handpicked all of our spectacular After Dark artists.

Thank you Tecla!

“I've known Kieron [Brown, frontman of Bam Bam Brown] for close on a decade and I've watched him grow from jamming Incubus covers to the real artist that he is today,” she says.

“I knew that he'd go all out to make his performance memorable and he did just that – it'll be a hard one to forget.”

Getting AKING to sign on for an After Dark gig was quite the coup. “I've repeatedly said over the years that AKING's first album was probably one of the best rock albums to ever come out of the country. It soundtracked my formative years, so to hear it done so beautifully acoustically was a real treat. I love those fools,” says Tecla.

Everyone involved in the making of After Dark would like to send a huge hug and massive thanks to the beautiful people who support initiatives such as these. The next show is happening on 29 August and will feature the soulful sounds of homegrown Majozi and new artist Gemma Griffiths. It’s the last After Dark event of the year and if you don’t want to miss out on this experience, you’ll want to get your tickets today.

Supporters of local music were treated to delicious complimentary drinks from the Drifter Brewing Company, including the moreish Buchu-infused Gin ‘n’ Tonic or a Pick Me Up Pale Ale, in front the ragged-tooth sharks